About Us

Reading branch is one of the older branches of the Embroiderers’ Guild and last year we celebrated our 70th Anniversary. Originally we were the Berkshire branch but now we share the east of the county with branches at Wokingham and Windsor & Maidenhead. Many well known embroiderers have, at some time, been associated with Reading. These include, Jan Messent, Marie Witworth, Lady Hamilton Fairly and Nenia Lovesey.

We try to arrange a varied programme of speakers covering all aspects of embroidered textiles from historical to modern mixed media techniques, including quilting, felt making, accessories and textiles from across the world.

We meet on the last Wednesday of the month (except August and December) in David’s Hall, Park United Reformed Church, Palmer Park Avenue, Reading RG6 1DN. There is parking available across Palmer Park Avenue from the Church. NB Palmer Park Avenue is a one way street. The Church is also on the no. 17 bus route along Wokingham Road. The door to the church hall is kept locked but to the right of the door is a panel of bells. Ringing the one labelled David's Hall will bring someone to let you in.

The meetings begin at 1.30pm and the doors open at 12.30pm. Annual subscriptions are due in September and are, at present, £43 – made up of £33 subscription to the Embroiderers’ Guild, £1 to the region and £9 to the branch. Visitors are welcome at £4 per meeting (members - £3).

Our morning classes start at 10.00am and continue until 12.15pm. The cost per class is at present £6 for both members and visitors. Visitors are welcome but please contact us first to check that there is space in the class and to receive a requirements list.

We hold 3-4 workshops a year, on the second Wednesday of the month in David’s Hall from 10.00am to 3.30pm.These allow us to attempt something more ambitious and cost, at present, £20 for both members and visitors. Again we would be grateful for visitors to contact us in advance to check on availability.

In addition, we hold a Christmas party in December, an annual lunch in January and try to organise an outing during the summer.